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Press Release

ADL Condemns Hitler Spoof Targeting Jewish Student at Rutgers

New York, N.Y., April 5, 2012 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called on Rutgers University to investigate who was behind a satirical anti-Semitic column that was falsely attributed to a Jewish student. A column entitled 'What about the good things Hitler did?' was made to look as if it was written by Aaron Marcus, a student known on campus as an Israel advocate. The column, which praised Hitler, appeared in The Medium, a satirical campus newspaper.

In a letter to Rutgers President Richard McCormick, Etzion Neuer Acting Director of ADL's New Jersey Office, said:

We understand that The Daily Medium describes itself as "satirical" newspaper and opinion writers are free to express their views despite how offensive they may be. However, this article specially targets Mr. Marcus and includes anti-Semitic remarks attributed to him. The content and misappropriation of his identity creates a situation where he may be the subject of harassment and bullying. It also contributes to an atmosphere where anti-Semitism can easily become an accepted part of campus life…We do not believe any student should be targeted in this manner and urge you to immediately investigate the matter and take appropriate action.

This is not The Medium's first instance with inappropriate references to Jews and the Holocaust. In 2004 the newspaper printed a front-page cartoon that belittled victims of the Holocaust.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.